The Costa del Sol is one of the most visited tourist destinations for many reasons: our climate, our beaches, our landscapes, our hotels, our wide range of leisure options, our history, our first-rate cultural and artistic heritage, the kindness of our people, our rich gastronomy… and, of course, golf.
It must be highlighted that the province of Malaga has the largest number of courses in the country: 70 courses; making 67% of courses in Andalusia, spread across 16 locations.
Few places like the Costa del Sol bring together so many attractions, as our province not only offers a magnificent infrastructure for the practice of this sport, but also a privileged climate that allows to play throughout the whole year, with an average annual temperature ranging between 18 and 20 degrees and with more than 320 sunny days per year.
Also, golf has been able to adapt to the new reality. We are now holding IGTM Links, the first official meeting for the international golf travel community in 2021, and the biggest business opportunity in the industry, as international tourism and travel get ready to return.
In October 2020, IGTM Links reached a record number of attendees during its three days, with more than 1,400 buyers and exhibitors participating in more than 10,500 individual meetings.
This event, which Turismo Costa del Sol is attending along with 28 companies of the province, will provide 250 golf courses, resorts and destinations with the opportunity to take profit of three days of flexible and mutually matched meetings at a time that suits both the host and the 250 international golf tour operators attending the event.
And this is just a first step. Once again, the Costa del Sol will become the limelight for women’s professional golf, thanks to the celebration of the Andalusia Costa del Sol Open. This event belongs to the Women’s European Tour that will be hosted in Spain, culminating the Race to Costa del Sol, an order of merit of the circuit and a magnificent promoter for this province, sponsored by Turismo y Planificación Costa del Sol.
And, in two years time, the Costa del Sol will host the Solheim Cup 2023 at Finca Cortesín; an event of exceptional public interest, and a top-quality sports competition, which will be an unbeatable opportunity to strengthen our position as a safe tourist destination, as well as to consolidate our commitment to women’s sport at a sustainable event of great international relevance.
Golf is a perfect tool to seasonalise and keep tourist offer alive, as golf tourism has special features: 11.9 days of average stay (3 days above average); average daily expenditure of 88.4 euro (almost 30% above the rest of travellers’). At the Costa del Sol, golf is much more than a leisure complement, becoming the main reason for golf tourists to come. They are faithful visitors who extend their stays in our destination due to its security, diversity, exquisite treatment and first-class services.
Francisco Salado
Director of Costa del Sol Tourist Board
